Lenora Dillinger receives 2022 Elaine Bisbee Service Award

Lewes Mayor and City Council surprised Lenora Dillinger, from the city’s financial department, during the March 13 meeting.

The tax and accounts receivable specialist believed she was at the meeting to advise council on assessments. Dillinger was quite surprised to learn that she was the focal point of the first agenda item, the presentation of the 2022 Elaine Bisbee Service Award.

A previous winner, Dillinger’s peers nominated her to be the award winner yet again in what was a busy year in Lewes. Mayor Andrew Williams said Dillinger was multifaceted and a Swiss Army knife capable of contributing in a variety of ways. 

“Folks, I’ve interacted with Lenora over the years on a variety of things and we’re lucky to have her,” Williams said.

City Manager Ann Marie Townshend said last year was the first year a quarterly award was introduced and she believes it encouraged an increase in nominations. She thanked the employee engagement committee for the idea and believes peer observations and acknowledgment by fellow co-workers made a big difference.

In addition to the award, Dillinger received a monetary prize.

The award's namesake, Elaine Bisbee, worked with city of Lewes for 35 years, working her way from secretary to city manager, a position she held for 22 years before retiring in March 2006.